What is the minimum width requirement for a continuous hallway on both sides of the bed in a resident room?

The minimum width requirement for a continuous hallway on both sides of the bed in a resident room is for safety and accessibility reasons. A width of 3 feet ensures that caregivers can easily maneuver around the bed, which is essential in providing adequate care. It allows sufficient space for staff to move equipment, assist residents in transferring, and respond to emergencies without obstruction. This width also accommodates the needs of the residents for mobility devices such as walkers or wheelchairs.

In residential care facilities, meeting these width specifications is crucial for compliance with building codes and regulations, which prioritize the health and safety of residents. Ensuring that hallways are wide enough not only supports day-to-day care activities but also promotes a more comfortable living environment.

The options that suggest either less than or more than this minimum width do not align with the practical needs of care settings; a width of 2 feet may be too narrow for safe passage, while 4 feet and 5 feet, while spacious, exceed the minimum requirement and could be viewed as unnecessarily spacious for certain room configurations.